Sustainable fashion
I will be posting sustainable outfit ideas here every two weeks. It will be an ethical/sustainable OOTD of sorts. These outfits have also been featured on my Instagram blog @mspaulapresents. Most of my outfits have a story to them; I take pride in my outfits and try my best to shop sustainable outfits from brands whose values resonate with me. These values include slow and ethical production, designed-to-last quality and a compelling brand story. As I have said repeatedly on my blog, I take the “big tent” approach to sustainable fashion. There is not a universally accepted definition of sustainable fashion that I have come across. The attempts at a definition that I have seen tend to focus on the attributes of sustainable fashion. In my view, and for anyone looking to make the initial transition to sustainable fashion, I would say sustainable fashion involves moving away from the disposable fast fashion culture and taking into account the impact of fashion choices on the environment and people that make the clothes. Fast fashion which sadly is the most widely available focuses on making clothes fast and on trend without much consideration of the environmental and social impacts. Sustainable fashion is just the opposite of that!
Sustainable outfit ideas
For many people starting down a sustainable fashion path can be daunting. Putting sustainable outfits together can be challenging when you don’t have much information on brands and reviews on the garments. In my small way I will provide reviews of the outfits from sustainable brands I’m currently loving as well as information on fabrics, fabric care where applicable and where to buy ethical outfits.
Sustainable outfit idea 1 of the week: Guide Coveralls from Tradlands
Why I love it : I had been looking for a good ethical coverall or boiler suit for a while, but hadn’t found one that is quality and timeless. This guide coverall from Tradlands in classic denim. meets my criteria for quality and timelessness. It’s made from good cotton. Tradlands is well known for thoughtfully and slowly made garments. Their pieces are made to last and this piece is no exception. It’s sturdy yet feels soft and flexible; it feels like it has already been broken in, so is comfy right away. I love pockets – to me pockets are a sign of quality design- and this piece features four large pockets on the front, two at the waist and two at the chest, and two large pockets in the back. It also has an adjustable waist. It also comes in Ocado and Honey.
Fabric: 100% cotton
Fabric care: Easy, machine wash and line dry. No dry cleaning needed.
Cons: While this was true to size for me, some people have had some trouble with sizing and have had to size up. The issue is not specific to this item but coveralls in general depending on the length of your torso.
Price: $247 but worth every penny. But I do have a discount code for 15% off for first time customers at Tradlands. PAULA15 at check out at tradlands.com
About the brand: Tradlands is known for timeless, well-made every day essentials. Their garments are made slowly and ethically and designed to last.
Sustainable outfit idea 2 of the week : Xena-Sue organic cotton dress from Beaumont Organic
Why I love it: This beautiful sustainable outfit, the Xena Sue organic cotton dress is from Beaumont Organic. It’s stylish and perfect for colder months. It’s made from felfpe cotton which is a thicker alternative to jersey so is super warm. I love the funnel collar which is both functional and stylish. The back neck button detailing is so chic, and is enhanced by the side pockets.
Fabric: Organic Cotton
Fabric care: Easy, machine wash.
Price : $200
About the brand: Beaumont Organic is a British sustainable brand. Beaumont organics has been making clothes ethically since 2008 using organic fabrics, ethical wool and deadstock that would otherwise be destined for landfills.
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